JOB OPPORTUNITIES
The LAB Jr. Educator Position
To make science and technology accessible to all people by being an outstanding regional institution that ignites and nurtures life-long learning.
—Science Museum of Western Virginia Mission Statement
Purpose
The LAB Jr. Educator in the Education Department at the Science Museum of Western Virginia plans, organizes, implements, and leads STEM educational programs within The LAB Jr. program.
The LAB Jr. is an 8-week series of progressive lessons in STEM fields designed to meet the developmental and educational needs of preschoolers across Southwestern Virginia.
The LAB Jr. Educator will travel to and lead outreach sessions at early childhood education centers.
Scope of Responsibilities
- The average workweek for this position begins at 10-15 hours with the potential to increase hours as the program expands. This amount may vary depending on workloads as assigned by supervisors. After-hours events and weekend events are assigned on an as-needed basis.
- Plans, organizes, leads, and completes necessary paperwork for educational programs.
- May assist in developing lesson plans in partnership with department leaders.
- Maintains and inventories educational equipment and materials. This includes restocking, replacing damaged materials, and cleaning items as necessary.
- Sets up prior to and cleans up after all assigned education programs.
- Assists with workshops, expos, and special events as needed.
- Leads tours on the exhibit floor as needed.
- Completes mileage sheets and purchase order requests in a timely manner.
- Lifts, moves, and/or maneuvers teaching containers of up to 50 lbs.
- Drives personal vehicle to commute to outreach programs.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Skills & Abilities
Our ideal candidate is passionate about the possibilities of inspiring students through STEM education.
- Previous Experience with Children Aged 2-4
- Problem Solving & Adaptability (ability to develop creative solutions)
- Effective Communication
Ability to Take a Collaborative Approach - Cultural Competence (commitment to inclusivity)
- Patience & Empathy
Preferred
- Demonstrates an Understanding of Appropriate Developmental Milestones for Preschool Students (or willingness to learn)
- Previous Childcare or Classroom Experience with Children Aged 2-4
- Relevant Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree, or Degree in Progress
Reports to Director of Education, Assistant Director of Education
Equality and Diversity: The Science Museum of Western Virginia is an equal access/equal opportunity institution, committed to excellence through diversity in education and employment. The Museum prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability in any of its employment, policies or practices, educational programs, or activities. Staff and supervisors are required to comply with this law.
Learn more about the position here.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter that includes your interest in the role and your relevant experience, and contact information for three professional references.
We appreciate your interest in the Science Museum of Western Virginia and look forward to hearing from you!
To apply for this position or ask further questions, please email the Director of Operations, Katie Brooks, at kbrooks@smwv.org.
Part-Time Business and Finance Manager
The Science Museum of Western Virginia, an interactive and engaging center dedicated to the exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, is seeking an experienced Part-Time Business and Finance Manager to join our dedicated team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in accounting, financial management, and business planning. Proficiency in QuickBooks is a must.
Purpose
As a Business and Finance Manager, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of our museum. If you are an experienced professional with a knack for numbers and a desire to make a difference in the world of science education, we’d love to hear from you!
Scope of Responsibilities
- Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the executive team
- Maintain accurate financial records, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll
- Implement and manage effective financial systems and controls to optimize museum operations
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, forecasts, and reports for internal and external stakeholders
- Proficiently use QuickBooks for accounting, financial management, and reporting
- Collaborate with department managers to monitor budgets, identify variances, and recommend corrective actions
- Assist in developing and implementing long-term strategic financial plans for the museum
- Ensure the Science Museum of Western Virginia complies with all local, state, and federal financial regulations
- Continuously identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiency improvements, and revenue generation
Required Skills & Abilities
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
- Expertise in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in accounting and financial management, preferably in a non-profit organization
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- A passion for science, education, and the mission of the Science Museum of Western Virginia
Equality and Diversity: The Science Museum of Western Virginia is an equal access/equal opportunity institution, committed to excellence through diversity in education and employment. The Museum prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability in any of its employment, policies or practices, educational programs, or activities. Staff and supervisors are required to comply with this law.
Learn more about the position here.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter that includes your interest in the role and your relevant experience, and contact information for three professional references.
We appreciate your interest in the Science Museum of Western Virginia and look forward to hearing from you!
To apply for this position or ask further questions, please email the Executive Director, Mary Roberts-Baako, at mrobertsbaako@smwv.org.
Part-Time Exhibits Technician Position
To make science and technology accessible to all people by being an outstanding regional institution that ignites and nurtures life-long learning.
—Science Museum of Western Virginia Mission Statement
Are you ready to spark curiosity and creativity through interactive science experiences? The Science Museum of Western Virginia is seeking a Part-Time Exhibits Technician to join our mission-driven team!
Purpose
As an Exhibits Technician, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining, installing, and enhancing our interactive exhibits, ensuring they are safe, functional, and captivating for our visitors. Join us in inspiring the community with the wonder of science!
Scope of Responsibilities
- Inspecting, maintaining, and repairing interactive exhibits.
- Assisting in exhibit setup and de-installation.
- Collaborating with our creative team to enhance exhibits.
- Managing exhibit inventory.
- Providing technical support for special events.
- Training museum staff and volunteers.
- Ensuring work adheres to museum standards and safety protocols.
Required Skills & Abilities
- Associate’s degree or equivalent technical experience.
- Previous exhibit fabrication or maintenance experience, preferably in a museum setting.
- Proficiency in safely using various tools and equipment.
- Strong problem-solving and technical troubleshooting skills.
- Knowledge of safety standards and procedures.
Excellent communication and teamwork abilities. - Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.
- Ability to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
Reports to Executive Director, Director of Operations
Equality and Diversity: The Science Museum of Western Virginia is an equal access/equal opportunity institution, committed to excellence through diversity in education and employment. The Museum prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability in any of its employment, policies or practices, educational programs, or activities. Staff and supervisors are required to comply with this law.
Learn more about the position here.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter that includes your interest in the role and your relevant experience, and contact information for three professional references.
We appreciate your interest in the Science Museum of Western Virginia and look forward to hearing from you!
To apply for this position or ask further questions, please email the Director of Operations, Katie Brooks, at kbrooks@smwv.org.
Video Marketing Part-time Internship
Do you have an interest in videography and/or marketing? Are you comfortable working independently? Join the SMWV team as a Video Marketing Intern! We’re looking for someone to lead a project to create a series of educational videos to be used in schools to teach STEM SOLs to students.
Learn more about the position here.
This is a part-time internship position. To apply for this position or ask further questions, please email your resume and a cover letter to Director of Marketing, Shannon Allen, at sallen@smwv.org.
Social Media Part-time Internship
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and confident individual to expand the SMWV Marketing Department! The Social Media Intern will be responsible for finding and creating engaging content that conveys the museum’s mission and philosophy via Facebook and Instagram.
Learn more about the position here.
This is a part-time internship position. To apply for this position or ask further questions, please email your resume and a cover letter to Director of Marketing, Shannon Allen, at sallen@smwv.org.
Administrative Assistant Part-time Internship
The Science Museum of Western Virginia is seeking a qualified candidate for an Administrative Assistant Intern for a 3-month fall or spring internship. Interns play a vital role in nonprofit organizations. While interns are expected to perform daily administrative tasks, there are opportunities to work on long term projects, depending on the changing needs of the museum. interns at SMWV have the opportunity to develop their written and oral communication skills and their knowledge of general office procedures.
This is a part-time internship position. To apply for this position or ask further questions, please email your resume and a cover letter to Executive Director, Mary Roberts-Baako, at mrobertsbaako@smwv.org.
we are always looking for volunteers
Our volunteers are a valuable part of our workforce and allow us to continue thriving as an organization. You do not have to be a science geek to volunteer at the museum! Just a will to learn, help others and have some fun.